Encoding a Video File

The video from any source must first be converted to a computer file form from whatever source it is in. There are variety of programs and devices that can do this step. Once the video is on the computer it must be encoded in a format that Quicktime can play. These are the settings used in Quicktime Pro to create a movie that Second Life can read. There may be other combinations that can work but these were what worked for this example.

At this point the program will start encoding the video and will produce an .MOV file. It is now ready to place on your web server.

Web Server Configurations

You will need to have access to a web server, either a normal website or a specialized streaming server that is configured to support http access. Once the file is in place determine the URL address to access the file. If you can play the video in Quicktime on your computer using the URL address, chances are good it will also play in SL.

Parcel Settings

To set up land parcel for video requires that you either be a land owner or member of a group that has the privileges to set the Media for streaming video. This option can be accessed by right clicking on the ground in the parcel and selecting the About Land menu. Open the Media Tab.

There are two items to set here for video. A texture that will be replaced by the video when it plays and the URL address for the video file. The texture can be any picture texture, but I find it useful to set a texture that indicates what video is available. It is my opinion that the texture should advertise the video as well as provide some instruction on how to start the program. Once the texture and URL are in place you are ready to start the show.

All devices that can play a video can only display the URL set in the Land Media settings. If any change is made to that URL all playing devices in that parcel are immediately changed. Each visitor does not see the same portion of the video that anyone else may be seeing. This is the result of each client independently connecting to the URL. If the video is started using the display device, all present and equipped to see it will all start seeing it at the same time. Confused? I certainly was at first! See article Streaming Media for more information on how video is implemented in SL.

Scripting a Display

There are a number of free, and paid, "TV" (or video display) devices available in SL, but if you wanted to create your own display device here are some tips in getting it done!

The size (width and height dimensions not file size) of the video does not control how big you can make your display unit in SL, it establishes a standard ratio between width and height. Any multiple of those numbers will have the correct aspect ratio and will display undistorted video. Anything not matching that ratio will cause the video to display stretched or squished. A convenient size can be made by making your display prim from a cube set to X=2.0, Y=1.5 (This is four 0.5m units by three 0.5m units!) The z value can be set to whatever your device will need for depth. This resulting arrangement has the display facing up. The display surface just happens to be face 0 (zero) of the cube. This is important in having a correct orientation so your picture is not showing sideways! Remove any texture on face zero and set to a dark gray or black color. This will be the "off" setting for the TV. Now you are ready for a bit of simple scripting to start showing the movie!

Basic Video Display Script

The following script will run but you will soon find it inconvenient to use. It is to illustrate these commands: